Everybody wants a bigger bench press. And if you want a big bench press, you need big triceps. And if you want big triceps, you’d better read my latest article on Stack.com. Don’t be fooled by the skinny, polo-and-Vibrams-wearing trainer who says that arm exercises aren’t “functional.” Avoiding direct arm work is a surefire way …
Since starting my internship at Cressey Sports Performance, my knowledge of shoulder anatomy and function has grown by leaps and bounds. Which is great, because we work with dozens of professional baseball players on a daily basis. But we also see tons of non-athletes who have shoulder issues from overuse, poor posture or less-than-great lifting technique. …
Stack.com – Are You Making These 3 Shoulder Press Mistakes? Read More »
Seven was not a lucky number for me last week as I competed at the RPS Power Challenge, the seventh meet of my powerlifting career. Although I took first place in the 198 raw classic division, I fell well below my goals and hit zero personal records. I went 5 for 9, squatted 505, benched …
I’m one week out from the RPS Power Challenge in Everett, Mass., which will be the seventh meet of my powerlifting career. My goals are a double bodyweight bench (385) and a 1475 total, which qualifies as “Pro” in RPS. I hit all my openers last week plus a couple second/third attempts using reverse bands …
When it comes to warming up, most people fall into one of two groups: the group that spends 45 minutes rolling and stretching everything, or the group that does a couple arm circles and says “let’s go!” Neither group is making the best use of their time. I used to belong to the first group, but …
Stack.com – Flexibility Fillers: 3 Exercises to Make the Most of Your Rest Periods Read More »
I’m not an expert on many things. But if I had to list the top three things I’m most knowledgable about, it’s: Metallica history One-liners from Jaws and Jurassic Park The bench press And since my target audience doesn’t read any websites regarding the first two topics, I prefer to write about the bench press. And most …
Nothing is more frustrating for a lifter than a stubborn sticking point. And for the bench press, that’s almost always two to three inches off the chest. You bring the bar down and press it back up, only to hit an invisible brick wall and miss the lift. Before you throw a temper tantrum or abandon …
Get It Off Your Chest: 3 Tips to Shatter Your Bench Press Sticking Point Read More »
I love dinosaurs. When I was little, my favorite toys were my plastic T-Rex and Triceratops. My second favorite movie of all time is Jurassic Park (a close second to Jaws. I have a soft spot for Spielberg films about prehistoric predators). Little did I know that my childhood obsessions would carry over into my …
Stack.com – 7 Reasons Why Your Bench Press is Weak Read More »
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I’m incredibly lucky to be able to train at some awesome gyms. Between Brown University and Total Performance Sports, I’ve got literally every piece of equipment I could ever want. Factor in the intense environment and you’ve got a foolproof recipe for success. When most people …
Stack.com – 3 Specialty Barbells That Build Size and Strength Read More »
Imagine NBA teams drafting players based on their dunk contest routines. Or MLB teams choosing hitters based on the Home Run Derby. Well, the NFL Combine, the most beloved test in all of sports, isn’t too far off. It’s crazy how many traditions go unchallenged in sports. No one stops to think if something makes …
